[569] Secondly.
On the same day directions were given, that a party of a commissioned
officer and thirty-four non-commissioned and privates, should remain at
fort Pitt, from two companies, part of which had been stationed at fort
Pitt, from the twentieth of October to the fifteenth instant, at which
time they were under orders to descend the Ohio. That it is, however,
to be expected, that the said two companies may have departed from fort
Pitt previously to the receipt of this order, unless prevented by the
ice.

Thirdly. That, on this
day, will march from this city, a detachment of about one hundred and
twenty non-commissioned officers and privates, besides commissioned officers.
Part of these will be stationed at fort Pitt, and detachments posted at
such other places on the Ohio and upper of the Alleghany, as to be most
condusive to the general safety of these parts.

Fourthly. The Lieutenants
of the counties of Westmoreland, Alleghany and Washington will be authorized
to call out such a number of scouts or patrols, at the expense of the
General Government, as they shall judge proper; not, however, exceeding
eight in number to each of the said counties. These scouts are to be the
best of hunters or woodsmen; and, as an inducement to such to perform
the service, they will be allowed the high pay of five-sixths of a dollar
per day, the price usually given on the frontiers of Virginia for said
service.

I hope, sir, that these arrangements
will be satisfactory to your Excellency, and effectually answer the purpose
for which they are designed.

I have the honor to be,
your Excellency's ob't Serv't,
H. KNOX, Secretary of War.

To His Excellency's THOMAS MIFFLIN.

LIEUT. J. JEFFERS ON THE
SITUATION AT FORT FRANKLIN.

Copy of a Letter from Lieut. Jeffers,
dated Fort Franklin the 26th Dec'r, 1791, By express to the Commanding
officer at Pittsb'gh or Maj'r J. Irwin of the Militia:

SIR:—I have this moment rec'd
authentic accounts from the Cornplanter, that an attack on this Garrison
will almost immediately take place, for the Indians from below declare
that they are determined to reduce this place, shake the Cornplanter by
the head & sweep this river from end to end.

Your are most earnestly requested,
& if I have any authority [570] possitively ordered
to send me, without loss of time, One Subaltern & thirty men as a
reinforcement, together with my men who have been left sick at Pitt.

Under this Convoy send me provision
to make five months' rations for seventy men. This news is not fictitious
nor this letter to be trifled with. I have written to the minister of
War, but his orders will come too late.

I am, &c.,
J. JEFFERS.

Extract of a Letter from Lt. Jeffers
to Mr. Elie Williams, Contractor, of same date above:

"I am happy to inform you
that the Cattle and salt arrived safe; the danger in this Country is so
great that I sent Soldiers & Indians to escort them.

"I am astonished that Mr.
Bond arrived safe; I have every reason to expect that nine times out of
ten so small a party will be cut off. No time to be lost in sending five
months' provision as one escort will answer for the whole."

"By express this moment rec'd
from the Cornplanter, he advises that the Women at this Grarrison be immediately
sent to Pittsburgh for safety."

The express who was the bearer
of these extracts says that a Council of the Hostile Indians was then
siting at Buffaloe Creek, and that Cornplanter was summoned to it; how
far this information may be depended on, can only be judged of from our
late disasters.

SIR:—I have the honor to
enclose, for your information, a copy of a second memorial which has been
transmitted to me by the inhabitants of the frontier counties of Pennsylvania.

In my communication to the Legislature,
upon this subject, I have suggested the propriety of furnishing the militia
with an immediate supply of arms and ammunition; and my instruction to
the Lieutenants of the several exposed counties will be to co-operate,
in case of an emergency, with the officers of the [571] Federal
Government, conformably to the plan of defence which the Secretary at
War has described to me by your directions.

I am, with perfect respect,
Your most obed't serv't,
THOS. MIFFLIN.

To His Excellency the President
of the United States.

MEMORIAL FROM THE INHABITANTS
OF THE COUNTIES OF WESTMORELAND, WASHINGTON, FAYETTE AND ALLEGHENY TO
THE GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA.

PITTSBURGH, 21st December,
1791.

To his Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN,
Esq., Governor of the State of Pennsylvania:

SIR:—We have the honor to
address you, in behalf of the counties of Westmoreland, Fayette and Alleghany
respecting the present defenceless state of their frontiers now exposed
to the cruel ravages of a powerful and savage foe. The late defeat of
the army under General St. Clair, has given rise to the most serious apprehensions
to the inhabitants of those counties, who being entirely unprotected,
as well as destitute of arms and ammunition for defending themselves,
now look up to your Excellency as the Executive arm of the Government
to ward off those dangers which threaten them as well the Commonwealth
in General.

Your Excellency is well aware of
the great extent of our frontier; and when you consider the high degree
of spirit which the savages, animated by two successive victories, entertain,
you may more easily conceive, than we can describe, the fears which pervade
the breasts of those men, women and children, who are more immediately
subject to their barbarities and depredations. Had the people a sufficiency
of arms in their hands they might, in some measure, defend themselves
until the General Government, to whose care the common defence is entrusted,
should adopt efficient steps for that purpose. At the same time, we beg
leave to state to your Excellency what occurs to us as the most speedy
and effectual mode. When the extent of country to be protected is taken
into view, we conceive that eight hundred effective men will not be deemed
more than sufficient. They should be active partisans, under experienced
officers and provided with good rifles, to suit the grand object of meeting
the enemy upon equal terms, to scouting and giving the alarm when needful.
Such a body should have encouragement proportioned to the price of common
labor in this country, which averages at fifty shillings [572]
per month, as the pay allowed to the troops of the United States
would not be a sufficient inducement to able bodied men, possessing the
requisite qualifications. We suggest these general ideas, from our knowledge
of local circumstances, which they, who are at a distance, unacquainted
with the actual situation of the Western country, cannot so well perceive.
It is not our wish to enter into a minute detail, being convinced that
your Excellency is not only fully acquainted with, but feelingly alive
to, those impressions which a state such as ours must give rise to; nor
can we apply to any person more proper than yourself to procure that assistance
which it requires.

In the meanwhile, we hope, from
your attention, that a quantity of arms and ammunition, of good quality,
will be forwarded to the several county lieutenants to be distributed
among the most active men of the militia of these counties, who at present
can make but a partial and feeble defence if attacked. They have been
draughted throughout the last summer, and those of Westmoreland even until
now. This is attended with great inconvenience and is particularly harassing
to this part of the State; and the officers, as well as men, taking their
tour promiscuously, are not as well adapted to an active and hazardous
service, as a select corps who have confidence in one another.

If nothing else can be done, we
trust your Excellency will give orders for calling out the militia of
the other counties, which, at least, may afford a temporary relief.

We have the honor to be, sir, with
the greatest respect,
your Excellency's humble and obedient servants,
CHARLES CAMPBELL,
JOHN YOUNG,
On behalf of the county of Westmoreland.

[573] SECRETARY OF WAR TO
THE LIEUTENANTS OF THE COUNTIES OF WESTMORELAND, ALLEGHENY AND WASHINGTON.

WAR DEPARTMENT, 29th December,
1791.

SIR:—The President of the
United States having duly considered the present apprehensions of the
counties lying upon the Ohio, and the just causes thereof, arising from
the late disaster to the troops under Major General St. Clair, is desirous
of affording, at the expense of the United States all the protection which
the nature of the case may require, and the public means will admit.

A considerable detachment of recruits,
for the regular troops, has marched for fort Pitt. These troops will be
posted in such a manner on the upper parts of the Ohio as will best conduce
to the safety of the inhabitants.

But, in addition to this arrangement,
you, as lieutenant of the county of ____, will be permitted to call into
service such a number of the most expert hunters or woodsmen to serve
as scouts or patrols, in order to alarm the inhabitants on the approach
of any danger, not exceeding, however, eight in number, for the county
of ____. It will depend upon you to make a proper choice of these scouts,
for which you will be both responsible with your character to the people
of your county, who may be exposed by an injudicious choice, and to the
United States who will pay the money. And, as an inducement for suitable
characters to perform the service, the United States will pay such scouts
the great pay of five-sixths of a dollar per day, in lieu of all charges
or expenses whatever. The service of said men must be proved in the manner
hereinafter mentioned, to wit: On their entrance into service they must
be mustered in your presence by a justice of the peace, and sworn to the
faithful discharge of their duty. In the muster then taken, the ages,
names, and residence of the said scouts must be taken, and whether married
or single. At the expiration of their services they must be again mustered,
and sworn that they have faithfully performed service for the number of
days mentioned, and in the district specified.

An account is then to be made by
you of the said service, which account must be supported by the muster
rolls aforementioned, certified by you, and transmitted to this office
for examination and payment, accompanied by a power from you to receive
the money.

[574] You will
please to acknowledge the receipt of this letter, and transmit me an account
of your proceedings thereon.

I have the honor to be,
Yours, &c.,
H. KNOX, Secretary of War.

SECRETARY OF WAR TO PRESIDENT
WASHINGTON.

WAR DEPARTMENT, 1st January,
1792.

SIR:—The Secretary of War
having, in obedience to the orders of the President of the United States,
taken into consideration the memorial of the inhabitants of the frontier
counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the Governor thereof,
dated the 21st ultimo, together with the letter of the Governor thereon,
respectfully reports:

That, in the present case it is
unfortunate, and it may be equally or more so in others which may arise,
that the United States are destitute of a general militia law. The frontiers
require protection, and ought to have it amply imparted to them in the
present moment. But no other expedient presents itself in this exigence,
but requesting the Executives of the States, that have exposed counties,
to call out such numbers of militia as may afford the necessary aid. If
the militia, so to be called out, should be for a short period, a considerable
portion of the time would be wasted in repairing to and returning from
the places to be defended, unless all should be taken from the frontier
parts, which would be unequal and oppressive.

It would seem, therefore, most
proper then, that the militia to be called out at the general expense,
should be for a period of six months, unless discharged sooner, if circumstances
should permit. That the existence of these circumstances would depend
upon the despatch that regular troops should be raised and marched to
the frontiers, and upon other considerations at the time of their arrival,
relative to the enemy. That the following arrangement seems necessary
for the frontiers of Pennsylvania:

1st. That in addition to the detachments
of regular troops now on their march to fort Pitt, and the scouts permitted
to the counties of Westmoreland, Washington and Alleghany, it might be
proper to add, if the Governor should judge the measure essential, such
a number of scouts for the county of Fayette, as he may deem proper, not
exceeding the proportion to the [575] other before mentioned
counties, their relative situations being duly considered.

2dly. That the Governor be further
allowed, if he judge the measure expedient and essentially necessary,
to organize and call into service, for a period of six months, a certain
number of militia, at the expense of the General Government, in the same
manner as the Governor of Virginia has called into service militia, for
the protection of the frontiers of said State.

That these militia be paid and
subsisted at the expense of the United States, under such regulations
as the Secretary of War shall direct, in order to prevent irregularities.

That the number so to be called
into service be such as may be equal, on an average, to about one company
for each of the frontier counties, so as to correspond as nearly as may
be to the defensive protection of Virginia. The increased pay, however,
cannot be allowed unless by a special act of Congress; and no good reasons
exist for urging a higher pay for mere militia than for the regular troops.
Indeed, as the latter have clothing allowed, and the former none, it would
appear reasonable that the militia employed under the General Government
should have an allowance for this object. But in order thereto, it would
be necessary that Congress should first make a law for the purpose. Should
they think proper so to do, the monthly cost of clothing for a regular
soldier might be added to the pay of the militia, which would increase
it to nearly five dollars per month, which, perhaps, is fully sufficient
for any species of militia, excepting the scouts. It is presumed that
Governor St. Clair will make an arrangement for the protection of the
French settlements at Gallipolis. The settlement at Marietta will be protected
by a company of regular troops.

All which is humbly submitted to
the President of the United States.

H. KNOX, Secretary of War.

GOVERNOR MIFFLIN TO SECRETARY
OF WAR.

PHILADELPHIA, 3d January,
1792.

SIR:—In consequence of the
distressed situation of the western counties of this Commonwealth, and
with a view to co-operate in the design of the Federal Government, which
you observe, in your letter of the 10th of March, 1791, was to make the
most effectual provision for the defensive protection of the frontier,
by calling into service, at the expense of the United States, such proportions
of the Militia as the nature of the case might require, [576]
I issued instructions to the lieutenants of the counties of Washington,
Westmoreland, Allegheny, Fayette and Huntingdon, for draughting a competent
force from the militia under their respective commands, to act as rangers
against the hostile Indians. The expense incurred upon this occasion has,
in part, been defrayed out of a sum appropriated by an act of the General
Assembly of Pennsylvania. But I think it proper at this time to inquire,
how far the State will be reimbursed from the treasury of the Union, as
the object seems clearly to be comprehended within the idea of general
defence. You will be pleased, therefore, sir, to favor me with an explanation
on this ground, that I may be enabled to render an accurate statement
to the Legislature, as well respecting the past as future expenditures,
in the same service.

I am, sir, your most obedient,
&c.
THOMAS MIFFLIN.

To HENRY KNOX, Esq'r, Secretary
of War.

SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR
MIFFLIN.

WAR DEPARTMENT, 3d January,
1792.

SIR:—The President of the
United States has received and considered the memorial of the inhabitants
of certain western counties, dated Pittsburgh, the 21st ultimo, which
you transmitted to him on the 31st of last month.

I am again directed, sir, to assure
your Excellency that it is the desire of the President of the United States
that all reasonable and effectual protection be afforded the exposed parts
of the frontiers, which the nature of the case may require.

That, if it should be your judgment
to the measure already ordered, and of which I informed you on the 26th
ultimo, that an arrangement of the following description should be added,
he will consent thereto in behalf of the United States.

That scouts be permitted to Fayette
county, in such proportion to the other exposed counties as you shall
judge proper. That a number of such militia of the State, not exceeding
two hundred and twenty-eight non-commissioned and privates and commanded
by such officers as you shall think proper, be called into service, on
the pay and rations established by the United States, and stationed at
such places on the Alleghany and Ohio and other parts of the frontiers,
so as best to defend the exposed parts, according to your judgment and
the county lieutenants. That these militia be organized into three companies,
and a captain, lieutenant, and ensign, and four sergeants, four corporals,
two music, and sixty-six privates.

[577] That they
be engaged for as many months as you shall judge proper, not exceeding
six months, to be discharged sooner if circumstances shall permit.

That these militia be under the
orders of the respective county lieutenants, being designed for defensive
protection only. That such persons as you shall direct furnish the rations,
provided the same do not exceed eight cents.

That the proofs, both of the supplies
and services, to be such as shall be prescribed by me, in order to prevent
either irregularity or abuse.

That for both the services and
supplies payment will be made by the United States upon the adjustment
of the accounts, according to the forms which may be directed.

I request your Excellency's opinion
on this additional arrangement which, if satisfactory, may be carried
into immediate execution.

I have the honor to be, &c,
H. KNOX. Secretary 0f War.

His Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania.

SECRETARY OF WAR TO GOVERNOR
MIFFLIN.

WAR DEPARTMENT, January
3d, 1792.

SIR:—In answer to your Excellency's
letter of this date, I have the honor to observe that I conceive the General
Government are responsible for the pay and subsistence of the militia
called out in pursuance of the authority of the President of the United
States, vested in certain county lieutenants of this State by the letter
to them of the 10th of last March, provided that the rules therein prescribed,
as well for the proofs of the service and the price of the rations, shall
have been observed, and the accounts thereof duly settled at the pay office
of the Department of War. And as appropriations therefor have been made
by Congress, no further delay of payment will take place than may be required
for the settlement of the accounts.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
H. KNOX. Secretary of War.

His Excellency the Governor of Pennsylvania.

[578] SECRETARY DALLAS TO
GEN. TANNEHILL AND OTHERS.

SECRETARY'S OFFICE. PHILADELPHIA,
6th January, 1792.

Gentlemen.—The Governor directs
me to acknowledge the Receipt of yours, inclosing Extracts from the Communications
made to you by the commanding Officers at Fort Franklin and to asssure
you that every Exertion is now making to afford speedy and effectual Relief
to the Frontiers. These last Documents will undoubtedly stimulate the
Legislature, and I am in great Hopes that by the next Post, if not sooner
by Express, the necessary Instructions will be transmitted for carrying
into Effect the Plan suggested by the United States, and Information of
an adequate Supply of Arms and Ammunition being forwarded. The Governor
is pleased with the Confidence which his Fellow Citizens repose in his
Desire to discharge the Duties of his station upon the present occasion,
and instructs me to assure you that in this Respect, at least, you will
not be disappointed.

MOST HIGH, POTENT AND WORTHY SIR:—The
unhappy situation of this, our western Country, by reason of the hostile
alarms daily arriving from so Cruell an Enemy, Engages your Excellency's
Most Humble Servant to address you thus:—

As Military Discipline is the soul
of all armies, Unless It be established amongst them with Great Prudence
and Suported with Unshaken Resolution, they are more burdensome than useful,
wether Militia or standing Troops. And whereas, I am of opinion that Discipline
is Lost, or at least much neglected in this western Department, I am also
of opinion that it will be as much wanted. I therefore beg leave to inform
your Excellency, that I Profess an knowledge of Military Discipline, and
am Redy to Devote Myself to the service of Public, Either as a [579]
Discipliner to train the Militia, or take the field otherwise
in Defence of the Country, if thought worthy of an appointment thereto.

I am, Sir, with that Respect,
Due to your Exalted Station,
Your Excellency's Most obedient.
& Most Humble Servant,
JOHN GIBSON.

N. B. Altho' I am, in this case,
My one Representative, I Sincerly Declear it with no other view than to
serve the Public, in hope of obtaining that honor that Is Due to Every
faithful servant in Defence of a Country.

I am, Sir, as above, yours, &c.,
JNO. GIBSON.

To His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN,
Esq'r., Governor of Pennsylvania.

COL. CHARLES CAMPBELL TO
GOVERNOR MIFFLIN

January 15th, 1792.

SIR:—I Received your Letter
Bearing Date the 26th of December 1791. As I have Not yet time to Give
you An Exact Account of Amunition and Arms I have At Present on Hand,
nor yet time to fill the Vacancies of Millitia Officers, But Will Be Ready
in A few days. When the News Arived Here of the Defeat of Our Army, Under
the Command of General St. Clair, and then a Letter from Lt. Gephries,
at fort Franklin, that the Indians Was Determined to take that Place and
sweep the Ohio from End to End. It Hath took Sutch Impression on those
Who is Immedeately the froonteer, that I Believe It Will be Allmost Imposible
to get them to Make a stand, Unless keeping Men Constantly at the Froonteer
Posts, and then the Inhabitants Who Lyeth Immedeately on the froonteer
is in danger of the Indians Spying and going Round our Garrisons and Comeing
on the Weomen and children and Murdiring them, So that I have Still to
Keep out some Men to Guard, Whitch is Very Distressing to Our County to
Guard It self and Stand As a Barier for the Interior Parts of the State,
when we Were Allways Willing to give Our Assistance when Required. In
the time of the Late War With England, our Militia Marched into the State
of the Jersey to Asist Our fellow Cittisens, when In distress, And I Would
be Of the Opinion, We have the Same Undoubted Right, from those of Our
Own State At Least. There was A Law Pased dureing The Late war for Each
Company of Millitia Company, In this State, [580] to
Have two Men and send to the Assistance Of the froonteers, Whitch Had
A good Effect. I Could Wish that Mode of Raising Men Rather than draughting
the Militia, as so Mutch of thier Time will Be Spent Before they can Arive
At thier Stattion. I Am Persuaded that Westmorland County will Not be
Against Finding their Quoto, Although So mutch Harressed By Draughting
During the Last Summer, And Untill This Time the Distressed Sittuation
of the Inhabitants Causes me to Urge for Asistance, More than I Could
Wish for to do, But the Allways Look Up to yuo As thier Guardean for to
Grant them Projection.

I am With Esteem,
your Obedient Humble Serv't,
CHAS CAMPBELL.

His Excellency THOS. MIFFLIN.

COL. JOHN WILKINS TO GOVERNOR
MIFFLIN.

PHILA. , 26thJan.,
1792.

SIR:—I will contract for supplying
all rations required by the State for the troops stationed on the western
Frontiers at eight cents per Ration. If you find these proposals satisfactory,
I am ready to enter into a contract & give security for the performance.
I know what I offer for is as low as it can be done for in that country,
especially when you take into view the divided situation of the men. Some
people who furnished last year, on account of the United States had ten
cents a ration.

Am, Sir, your most ob't Hum'l Serv't,
JNO. WILKINS, Jr.

His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN, Governor
of Penn'a.

COL. CLEMENT BIDDLE TO GOVERNOR
MIFFLIN.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 19th,
1792.

SIR:—I have perused the proposals
of John Wilkins, Jun'r, Esquire, for supplying the Rations for the Troops
to be raised by authority of the State for the defence of the frontiers,
and am of Opinion that it will be best to Accept of his Offer for furnishing
the same at Eight Cents per ration, as this is as low or lower than I
have heard it estimated at, and as cheap as it can [581] be
done, considering the dispersed Stations the Troops will be employed at.

To the Lieutenants of the counties
of Westmoreland, Washington,
Fayette and Alleghany:

GENTLEMEN:—Upon the repeated
applications of the inhabitants of the western frontiers of Pennsylvania,
the Executive of the Federal Government was induced to propose to me a
plan of defensive operation for the protection of the counties which are
exposed to immediate danger; and the Legislature having given their sanction
to the proposal, agreeably to the terms of the enclosed act, it becomes
my duty, as well as disposition, to carry it into to effect with all possible
energy and despatch.

You will perceive that the general
militia law has been suspended in some respects, in order to answer the
present emergency, particularly in the mode of raising the intended force
which is by engaging active and experienced riflemen wherever they can
be obtained, and not by draughting in classes from the militia of the
respective counties; in the mode of appointing the officers, which is
immediately by the Executive, and not upon the election of the people;
in the period of service, which is for six months, and not for two; and
in the rate of pay, which is liberally estimated by the price of labor,
and not by the military allowance established for the troops of the Federal
Government.

I am desirious, however, that,
as far as it is practicable, the men engaged under the authority of this
law should still be considered, and act as a select corps of militia,
and therefore I shall, from time to time, convey duplicates of my instructions
to the commanding officers through the medium of the lieutenants of the
several counties comprehended in the description of the western frontiers.
As the first step towards organizing the [582] proposed
corps, I now transmit commissions for the officers, which you will be
pleased immediately to deliver, with instructions to engage seventy-six
men, of the description, and upon the terms mentioned in the act, for
each of the companies to which they are respectively appointed, making,
in the whole, two hundred and twenty-eight active and experienced riflemen
of the militia, and to deliver regular weekly returns to the major, (whose
commission is likewise transmitted,) until the number of engagements shall
be completed.

The men, it is to be observed,
must be engaged for the period of six months, unless sooner discharged,
commencing on the first day of March next; and it may be stipulated, that
each man, armed with his own rifle, such as the Captain of the company
may approve, shall be allowed two dollars for the use of it, during the
period of his engagement, and a reasonable equivalent if it is lost or
destroyed in the public service. The companies being filled, are to be
stationed, in the first instance, under the general direction of the Major,
at the following places :

1st Company.—The
first company shall be stationed at the south-west corner of Washington,
between the heads of Wheeling and Duncard creeks, ranging thence to the
Ohio.

2d Company. The second
company shall be stationed at the mouth of Great Beaver, and ranging thence
to fort Crawford, by the heads of Pine Creek.

3d Company.—The
third company shall be stationed at the Kittaning, ranging thence up and
down the river, Under the inspection and management of Colonel Clement
Biddle, who acts on this occasion as quarter master general for the State.
A competent supply of arms and ammunition will be immediately forwarded
to Pittsburgh, at which place a proportionate distribution will be made
and sent to the respective frontier counties. It is expected that great
care will be taken to ensure the return of the arms at the expiration
of the present service, and to prevent the loss or waste of ammunition.

I have also entered into a contract
with John Wilkins, Jun,. for supplying the corps with rations, at the
rate of eight cents per ration, and I am pursuaded we will do honor to
the confidence which is reposed in him.

You will be pleased, gentlemen,
to maintain a punctual correspondence with the commanding officer of the
proposed corps, and to render him every aid in your power, consistent
with a plan of defensive operation, which you will remember is the sole
purpose of these arrangements; though, if any unforseen emergency should
occur, they are not to preclude the general exertion of the militia for
repelling actual hostilities agreeably to the instructions contained in
my letter of the 18th March, 1791.

[583] The proofs
that will be sufficient to establish the claim for supplies and services,
and the forms that will be required in the adjustment of the accounts
at the office of the Secretary of War, will be stated to you in the course
of a few days; and, in the mean time, relying upon your zeal, discretion
and patriotism, I deem it unnecessary to add more than an earnest wish
that you would, by every mens, facilitate the engagements of the men for
the present service, and render the interference of the Government honorable
and effectual.

I am, gentlemen,
Your most obed't serv't,
THOS. MIFFLIN.

List of Officers appointed to command
the three defensive companies of active and experienced riflemen of the
Militia, agreeably to the act, entitled "An Act to provide for the
immediate defence of the frontiers of the Commonwealth."

SIR:—The General Assembly
of this Commonwealth having passed an act for the immediate defence of
our western Frontiers, I have enclosed, for the information of the President
of the United States, a copy of that law, together with a copy of the
instructions which I have transmitted to the lieutenants of certain counties
on the subject. As it is my intention, on this occasion, to conform as
nearly as possible, to the propositions that are contained in your letter
of the 3d instant, and the explantion which you afterwards gave of their
meaning and extent, [584] you will be pleased to furnish
me with a statement of the proofs which will be sufficient to establish
the claim for supplies and services and the forms that will be required
in the adjustment of the accounts at your office.

I shall, from time to time, communicate
to the executive of the Federal Government any important information that
I may receive from the frontiers; and it will afford me sincere pleasure,
if, upon a plan, strictly defensive, the corps of militia engaged under
the authority of the State shall be found a useful auxiliary to the force
employed under the authority of the Union for the General purpose of the
war.

I am, sir, Your most obt. serv't,
THOS. MIFFLIN.

ACTION OF THE PENNSYLVANIA
ASSEMBLY.

AN ACT to provide for the immediate
defence for the frontiers of this Commonwealth.

WHEREAS, It appears necessary,
at this time to make some effectual provision in aid of the measures of
the Federal Government, for the protecting of the frontiers of this Commonwealth,
which are exposed to imminent danger from the Indians now at war with
the United States;

SEC. 1. Be it therefore enacted
by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of
the same, That the Governor Shall engage, for the term of six months,
unless sooner discharged, a number of active and experienced riflemen
of the militia of this Commonwealth, not exceeding two hundred and twenty-eight
non-commissioned officers and privates, and station the same at such places
and in such proportions as shall, in his judgment, be best calculated
to protect and defend the western frontiers of this Commonwealth; and
he shall organize the men, so to be engaged, into companies over which
he may, if need be, appoint and commission one major; and each company
shall consist of one captain, one lieutenant and one ensign, to be appointed
and commissioned by the Governor, four sergeants, four corporals, two
musicians and sixty-six privates to be engaged as aforesaid.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted
by the authority aforesaid, That the pay of the commissioned officers,
respectively, shall be the same as the pay allowed to the commissioned
officers of corresponding rank in the service of the United States; and
there shall he allowed to such of the militia as shall be engaged as aforesaid,
a bounty, which, being added to the amount of the [585] pay
allowed, or to be allowed by the United States to noncommissioned officers
and privates in their service, as shall render the pay of the said militia
equal to the sum of sixty shillings per month to each sergeant, fifty-five
shillings per month to each corporal and fifty shillings per month to
each private and musician.

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted
by the authority aforesaid, That the sum of four thousand five hundred
pounds be appropriated for carrying into effect the foregoing objects
of this law, of providing the necessary arms and ammunition and of defraying
the other necessary incidental expenses for the defence of the frontiers
aforesaid; which sum shall be paid by the State treasurer, upon the warrants
of the Governor, out of the funds appropriated by law to pay the expenses
of Government; and on account of the disbursements thereof, or of any
part thereof shall be laid by the Governor before the General Assembly
at the next ensuing session.

WM. RIPPEY TO COL. CLEMENT
BIDDLE.

SHIPPENSBURGH, Jan'y 24th,
1792.

SIR—I was honoured with your
favour of the 13th inst., and atended to the Contents. I spoake with Reed,
the waggoner, as he past through this place; he told me he thought he
Could Go on, But Should he not be Able when he Got to the mountain, when
he returned he would Inform me—and in that Case I will atend to
your Instructions.

I have the honour, Sir,
To be, with Due reguard,
your Ob't humble serv't,
WM. RIPPEY.

SIR:—In the Secretary's letter
of the __ Inst., addressed to the Committee of this place, it is with
singular Pleasure, we observe, that a Bill has passed the house of Representatives,
for raising three companies of riflemen for six months, for the protection
of the Western Frontiers, to be commanded by a Major.

We have therefore taken the Liberty
of recommending to [586] Your Excellency James Morrison,
Esq'r, as a Gentleman qualified in every respect to fill that Office.
He served in the late American Army as an Officer, with the greatest credit,
Under Generals Irwin, Morgan and Brodhead; he is particularily well acquainted
with the situation of the Western frontiers. Being constantly Employed
as a partisan, by Generals Brodhead and Gibson, whilst they commanded
at this Place. His influence with the people here is very great, and promises
every success in Raising the men.

Permit us to refer Your Excellency
to the above mentioned Gentlemen for further information respecting him.

We have the honour to be, with much
respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble Serv'ts,
JNO. GIBSON,
A. TANNEHILL,
GEO. WALLACE,
JAMES O'HARA,
JOHN SCULL.

Governour MIFFLIN.

COL. JOHN WILKINS TO GOVERNOR
MIFFLIN.

PHILA., 27th Jan'y, 1792.

SIR:—I have entered into a
contract with Mr. Clem. Biddle for suppling with provisions the State
troops which are to be raised for the defence of the western frontiers,
& have given a Bond with security for the performance. It is customary
to make an advance of money to the Contractors, to enable them to conduct
the business more easily. I have, therefore, to beg you would advance
me, on account of the Contract, fifteen hundred Dollars.

Your most obt. Hum. Ser.,
JNO. WILKINS, Jr.

His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN, Governor
of Penna.

GEN. KNOX, SECRETARY OF
WAR, TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Feb'y 8th,
1792.

SIR:—I have the honor to transmit
your Excellency, herewith, a copy of my letter to the lieutenants of the
frontier counties of Pennsylvania, dated the 29th December last.

I am, with great respect and esteem,
Your Excellency's Most obedt. humble servt.,
H. KNOX.

SIR:—Haveing Understood that
a number of Commissions vacant in the course destined for the security
of the frunteers of this State, by the Resignation of some of those officers
whome your excellency were pleased first to appoint, We beg leave to Recommend
to your Excellency John Robison, of Pidgeon Creek, in Washington County,
as a person well qualified to discharge the duties of a Lieutenant, instead
of Danial Hamilton. From his knowen activity, Courage and Capacity he
will, [588] we Believe, Render Special Service to his
Country, and do honour to his appointment and to himself also.

SIR:—What appears to me of
considerable consequence, induces me to trouble your Excellency at a time
when, I presume, you are sufficiently engaged. I have read your letter
of information & instruction to the County Lieutenants, on the subject
of protection. I find that a considerable gap is left open to the enemy
on the North westerly part of the County, and that at a place where, in
former wars, ye enemy perpetually made their approach on that quarter—the
Settlements on Rackoon, especially about Dilloe's fort, constantly experienced
in former times the repeated attacks of the Savages. Capt. Smith's Company
will cover Allegheny County, but will be of but little Service to this,
unless we consider the enemy as coming across the part of Allegheny County
which lies on this Side the Ohio river, and that, too, in a direction
by which we have seldom known them to come. In order that your Excellency
may the better understand me, I have, with my pen, made a sketch of the
River & Country on that side of the County. I have extended the river
as far beyond the State line as to Yellow Creek, so that you may discover
how narrow Ohio County in Virginia is, and how easy it will be for the
enemy, by their usual rout, to come upon us—more especially as I
learn the Virginian will not guard the river higher up than to Yellow
Creek. I persuade myself that the Sketch will be sufficiently accurate
for elucidation at best. I am told that many of our Riffle men decline
entering into the Six month Service on this ground. Say they, "why
will we go into a Service which appears to be calculated for the protection
of Allegheny county, whilst our own friends and fami-

[589] lies will
continue exposed?" I am of opinion that if the State would advance
a month's pay it would greatly facilitate the recruiting Service. Money
has magic power. I am told that Mr. Dan'l Hambleton declines accepting
his Commission as a Lieutenant, and that Mr. Rob't Stevenson will be recommended
to your Excellency to fill the vacancy. I have no doubt of his being a
proper person.

I have the honor to be, Sir,
your Excellency's most ob't serv't, DAVID REDICK.

THE COMMITTEE OF HOLLIDAY'S
COVE TO COL. BAIRD.

WASHINGTON, Feb'y 7th,
1792.

SIR:—Together with this will
be presented to you a Copy of Resolutions entered into at a Very Respectable
Meeting of the Inhabitants of this part of the Frontier.

Although we make not the least
doubt, Sir, that You, as a man and fellow Citizen, are alive to all the
feelings of Humanity for our Dangerous situation, and that, in your publick
Capacity, You will use the authority in your hands to the best advantage.
Yet fearful of being overlook'd, and Sensible that our immediate Support
must Come from Your County, The Meeting thought it advisable to address
You on this Occasion. We then, a Committee of said Meeting appointed for
that purpose, Beg leave, according to the Resolution of the Meeting, to
lay before you a Short Statement of our Situation both with Regard to
the Country we live in and the peculiar Circumstances we live under. This
part of the County of Ohio which we Inhabit is Stretched along the Ohio
River, between that River and the Western Boundary of Pennsylvania, for
at least thirty miles from Herman's Creek upwards to Beaver, a Narrow
Country, in many places not three miles wide, and not exceeding five where
Broadest. To Defend this great extention of frontier, only a few Scattered
Settlers present themselves, and numbers of them Without arms. In an open
frontier Country such as we have Described, with an Enemy to deal with
who carry on war against Women and Children and committ their Murders
at our doors and in our houses, a Man's own Safety and that of his family
is his first object. For this Reason we are not in a Condition to help
ourselves, as no person will turn out for the Common defence when whatever
is dear to him is left in so much hazard. An- [590] other
Circumstance of our local situation, which has hitherto been very unfavorable
to us, is our being frontier to two States. This, one would think, would
be productive of contrary effects, but the fact is otherwise, for the
Reasons mentioned in our Resolutions. Last Year the Neglect we Suffered
was Shamefull. In the most Dangerous and alarming times not a man was
Left to defend the River from Raccoon to Buffaloe, a Space, we Suppose,
of about forty Miles, and, to add to our Distress, at this very time our
men were drafted off to a Distant part of the Country. To whose Misconduct
this is to be ascribed We will not pretend to say, but we have thought
it our duty, by an early application to you, Sir, on whose help we chiefly
depend to prevent for the future, such ungenerous treatment. We therefore,
Sir, in the name and by the Order of the Meeting, pray you to take our
situation, which we have now laid before you, into Your Consideration,
and send us such assistance As You may think our Circumstances require.

JAMES CAMPBELL,
RICH'D BROWN,
DAV'D BRUCE.
WILL'M LEDLIE,

Colo. A. BAIRD, L't W. County.

PROCEEDING OF THE MEETING
AT HOLLIDAY'S COVE.

At a Meeting of the Frontier Inhabitants
living on the Ohio River in and near Holiday's Cove, held upon Saturday,
the fourth day of February, 1792, the following Resolutions were unanimously
adopted, Collo. Rich'd Brown, chairman.

We, a Number of the Inhabitants
living on the Ohio River, in and near Holiday's Cove, justly alarmed at
our Situation in Consequence of the late defeat of the American Army under
the Command of Major Gen'l St. Clair, and contemplating the dreadful Prospect
before us, if no speedy and Effectual Relief is afforded us—Ourselves,
our Families and Property exposed to the Cruelties and Ravages of a subtle
and a barbarous Enemy—Relying, however, on the Energy of the General
Government, and fully satisfy'd that nothing will be wanting for our Safety
which a wise and an active Administration can effect; Yet to show that
We are not unworthy of Protection, but are willing and ready by our own
Exertions to promote and facilitate the Execution of any Plan which the
Wisdom of Government may see best for our Defence, Have entered into the
following Resolutions, Viz:

[591] Resolved,
That the River Ohio is the safest and easiest maintained Frontier Line
on this Side the Mountains, and We bind ourselves by the most sacred Ties
of Honor and Good Faith to Keep up, support and defend the same to the
last Extremity.

Resolved, That the better
to put in execution the foregoing Resolution, and the better to secure
our own safety and particularly that of our Women and Children, Places
of strength be erected within our Bounds in such convenient Places as
may be hereafter fixed upon.

Resolved, That draughting
the Frontier Inhabitants to serve upon Militia duty in any other part
of the Country but where they reside is equally unjust, oppressive and
impolitick; and resolved that an address on this subject be drawn up and
presented to the Lieut, of this County, and that Dav'd Bruce and Wm. Sutherland,
Esqs., be a Committee to draw up & present the same, together with
a Copy of these Resolutions.

Resolved, That every Member
of this Meeting shall bind himself, and We do hereby bind ourselves, in
the most sacred Bonds of Honour and good Faith, Each of us to Keep in
good order at least one Gun, and have always in readiness a sufficient
quantity of amunition to be prepared at a Minute's warning to repuls any
Attack which may be made on this part of the Frontier where we inhabit.

Resolved, That an Address
be drawn up and presented to the Lieut. of Washington County, stating
to him the Peculiarity of our local situation, being a Frontier to both
States, representing the Neglect we have hitherto experienced from this
Circumstance, The one State tending our defence to the other till we have
been totally forgot by both, and praying him if drafts from the Militia
of his County are ordered down to cover the River, not to forget this
part of the Frontier, and ordered that James Campbell, Ritchard Brown,
Dav'd Bruce and Wm. Ledley be a Committee to draw up & present s'd
Address, together with a Copy of these Resolutions.

Resolved, That the foregoing
Resolutions be published in the Pittsburgh Gazette.

Signed by order of the Meeting,
RICHARD BROWN, Chairman.

[592] MATTHEW RITCHIE TO
COL. BAIRD.

WASHINGTON, February 10
, 1792.

SIR:—A Long acquaintance of
that part of Ohio County, mentioned in the within adress, induces me to
assure you it is Juste, and am confident that A Company will be wanted
to range from the Mingo town to meet those from Beaver. If this is obtained,
they will attempt to continue on their farms, if not, they will abandon
them, and leave thirty miles of Washington County exposed.

I am, Sir,
your most humble Servant,
MATT'W RITCHIE.

Colo. A. BAIRD, L. Washington County.

MAJOR McCULLY TO COL. CLEMENT
BIDDLE.

PITTSBURGH, March 2nd,
1792.

DEAR SIR:—I have the pleasure
to inform you, that the waggon with 20 Quarter Casks of powder and 13
Lead, with two Boxes of Rifles, containing only twenty-nine, have arrived.
There must be a mistake in the Quantity of Rifles, as your Bill mentions
forty-nine. How this could happen, I know not; please inform me the first
opportunity, and hurry on the arms, &c., as speedily as possible.
I am in hopes to have the men ready before the arms arrive— I can
purchise a number of Rifles here, but the price will be high. I could
count on 30, but cannot purchise them under £6 00 and £6 10
0. Please to instruct me wheather to purchise or not at that price.

In addition to the list of articles
I gave you in Phila'a, I pray you to send me on four pocket Compass's,
as that is an article I cannot procure at this place. I will take the
Earliest opportunity of making returns of the Rifles that may be brought
into Service by the Soldiers, and shall have them duly appraised. Please
send on Copies of Muster Rolls, Monthly returns, and every other specious
of return that may be necessary—a few Blank Books.

SIR:—I have the honor of
informing your Excellency that I arrived at this place on the ninth day
after my departure from Philadelphia. At Greensburgh, on my way, I wrote
to Captains Paul and Guthrie, desireing them to meet me at Pittsburgh
as Soon as possible to receive Inlistments, money, and my Instructions
for the recruiting Service. I also, on my arrival at this place, wrote
to Captain Smith, of Washington, to the same Purport. I remained here
Several days with much anxiety, none of these Gentlemen attending. I at
length determined to proceed to Washington to see Captain Smith, who I
found to be very much ingaged in the recruiting business, aided by Mr.
Beird, the County Lieutenant, who had given every assistance in his power.
At Washington I learned that Mr. Enocks and Hamilton, Lieutenants in the
first and second Companies, had refused to accept their Commissions, and
in Consequence of their refusal Mr. Beird had nominated John Gray, of
Washington County, to serve in the first Company in place of Mr. Enocks,
and Robert Stevison in the second Company in place of Mr. Hamilton, who
were recruiting with Success. These Gentlemen I am not personally acquainted
with, but have no dout but they may answer the purpose. I then returned
to Pittsburgh where I met Captains Paul and Guthrie, who had been bussily
ingaged in the recruiting service, and from their accounts, two-thirds
of the men are inlisted, and I flatter myself we shall have the whole
in good time. The Snow is yet deep in this Country. The people in General
feel themselves in a State of Security, and feel very thankfull for your
Excellency's attention and Care of their lives and property.

Permit me to Observe to your Excellency,
that when I was in Washington County, from actual Survey shewen me by
Mr. Redick, I find a frontier of Forty Miles on the South west of that
County, exclusive of Ninety miles from Yallow Creek to Kittanion on the
Ohio and Allegheny. Should it please your Excellency to Order One Company
of Melitia to be drafted for the defence of the south west part of Washington
County, I would then dispose of my three Companies on the river and would
hope to give a good account.

I have the honor to be, with the
highest Esteem,
Your most Obedient Hum'l Serv't,
GEO. McCULLY, Major 6 Month Militia.

His Excellency THOS. MIFFLIN, Governor
Commonwealth Pennsyl'a.

[594] MAJOR McCULLY TO COL.
CLEMENT BIDDLE.

PITTSBURGH, March 11th,
1792.

DEAR SIR:—I with pleasure
acknowledge the receipt of your favor, 28 February; am happy to be informed
that those Articles you mention are on the way—am fully sensible
you will do everything in your power to forward the Rifles. I mentioned
in my last, that I could buy 30 Rifles at this place, but was afraid to
give the price without your Instructions; they are good New Rifles, and
will be worth the money here at the end of the service.

The Idea of Muskets to the men
we have engaged, is a distressing thing—yet shall be obliged to
use some of them for a while, until we get a Sufficient number of Rifles.
I thought by this time, to have had it in my power to make you a regular
return of the Rifles brought into Service by the recruits—but the
high waters, I presume, has prevented my geting returns from the recruiting
officers, although I had sent Express's as early as the 3rd Instant, for
that purpose.

The bullet bags are all ready,
and some of the Gun Covers, will have the whole in good time. The Rifles
that have arrived, 29, I have put into the hands of the recruits, and
sent them out to assist the Scouts in ranging in front of the Most Exposed
frontiers, and as soon as those articles you mention arrive, I shall send
detachments to the fixed posts.

SIR:—The time is now come
when our Situation is growing every day more Critical; the Indians have
already begun their depridations in our Neighbourhood, and it is the opinion
of the most experienced Men among us, that they are at this moment lying
in Bodies at no great Distance waiting for the Removal of the Snow, which
at present is deep in their Country, to make an Invasion upon us. For
this Reason, We the Committee of the Inhabitants in and near Holliday's
Cove, have [595] again thought it necessary to trouble
you on this subject. We formerly Represented to you, Sir, the Manner in
which we have been Hitherto neglected, and from every appearance at present
(unless relief comes from your County) we will this year be no better
protecketed than we have been in years past. The Rangers of your State
come down no Lower than Beaver, and the Rangers Raised by the State of
Virginia will not come higher up than the Mingo Bottom, so that we are
left intirely to our own exertions, which, considering the circumstances
of our Country, laid before you in a former address, must be but feeble
and enable us to make but a short stand. Let us then, sir, urge you, if
consistent with your orders, to draft as many of the Militia of your County
(as no other provision is now made) as will serve this part of the frontier.
In our opinion, Sixty men would not be more than sufficient for this purpose.
We would further Remark, Sir, the more to evince the Necessity of immediate
assistance, that from the Dread of the Indians, numbers of People holding
no Landed property here, have already moved and are daily Moving off,
and we have the greatest Reason to believe, that upon the very first attack,
unless encouraged by protection being afforded, the greatest part of the
Inhabitants will Remove at the most Convenient places for Stations. Blockhouses
are already erected, we mean, Sir, at Yellow Creek, Croxton's Run and
Mouth of Herman's Creek. Men placed In these Stations would, in our opinion,
be the best mode of disposing them and Most agreeable to the Inhabitants.
The Spies now in the Indian Country would likewise be greatly Benefitted
by the filling these Block-houses. When a Discovery is made they will
have these posts to Repair to, where a Boat can always be had to convey
them over the River for the purpose of Warning the Inhabitants. Sir, we
submit these hints to your better Judgment, and hope you will do every
thing for us that our Dangerous Situation Requires.

RICH'D BROWN,
WILLIAM LEDLIE,
DAVID BRUCE,
JAMES CAMPBELL.

Colo. ABSALOM BAIRD.

[596] CAPTAIN SAMUEL BRADY
TO COLONEL BAIRD.

MOUTH OF YALLOW CREEK, March
20, 1792.

D'R COL:—I am Glad I have
it in my power to Send you a Line, and Likewise happy that I have not
as yet made aney Discovery of Indiens, altho' everey Industery Has bean
made by myself and brother Spies; but Every Day Expect to have the pleashure
of meeting with Some of them. We have bean about twentey miles out from
the river, and in the flat Lands the Snow last thursday was at Least ten
Inches deep, which, I Expect, is one reason why they have not paid us
a Vissit before this time.

I Start to-morrow morning, and
make no doubt I Shall mak a Discovery Before I am maney days on the west
Side the ohio. The Inhabitants in this Quarter have bean for these Three
weeks past, Looking for and Expecting men to fill the Block-house at the
mouth of yallow Creek. But this Day, to their Great mortification, they
have Heard news Quite the reverce, which is, there are no men from Pennsylvania
to Range Lower Down then the mouth of big Beaver. Some families who heard
the news before the People at this place heard it, have already Moved
of, and the rest are, tho' Contrarey to thier Former Intention, makeing
ready; and it is my opinion that if Something is not Done Shortley for
thier Safety, there Will be but few people, if aney. Between the mouth
of Little beaver and The Cove. I thought it onely my Duty to inform you
what I have done, and do declare I much Lement the Sutuation of the Inhabitants
in this Quarter.

I am, D'r Sir, with Due Respekt,
your H'l. Servant,
SAM'L BRADY.

Col. BEARD.

JAMES HARRIS TO WILLIAM
FINDLEY.

JUNIATA, March the 22d,
1792.

D'R SIR:—I have heard that
the Bill providing for the defence of the frontiers has at length pass'd.
The Season is advancing fast when the troops Should take the field, &
very few are yet enlisted. I fear the Bill has hung too long on its passage
to provide effectually for the defence of the frontiers. The Indians do
not lie long in Winter Quarters. By a report of the Committee to whom
were referred the petitions, &c., respecting [597] roads
& inland navigation, it appears that it is recommended that the road
from the Mouth of Juniata to David Miller's be reviewed by the Commisioners
to be appointed by the Governor. If that measure (which I think a good
one) be adopted, I should wish Commisioners to be appointed who live at
some distance from that neighborhood, whose only object would be the having
a good road the nearest & best way.

I hope you will pay some attention
to this matter, as Doctor Smith rightly observes, "'tis a link of
the great Chain which connects the Western Country with Philadelphia."
If the Commissioners & surv'r are not already appointed, & you
think me not an improper person, I will thank you to mention my name to
the Governor. 'Tis my wish that an intercourse between the Western Country
& Philad'a may be opened as soon as possible by this rout.

Should you have leisure to write,
& an opportunity of sending me a line or two, it will be considered
as a particular favor by, Sir.

Your friend & Humble Serv't,
JAMES HARRIS.

WILLIAM FINDLEY, Esq'r.

MAJOR McCULLY TO COL. CLEMENT
BIDDLE.

GREENSBURGH, 31st March,
1792.

DEAR SIR:—I had the pleasure
to receive yours of the 24 Inst, am happy to hear that the Rifles are
ready to be sent on. I think 60 Rifles beside those twenty-one that is
on the way, will be as many as I shall want.

The Soldiers, being Inlisted for
Rifle men, refused to take the muskits, and it had liked to have caused
some difficulty; however, the Officers and myself agreed to purchise a
number of Rifles, the soldiers agreeing to receive them as their property,
and giving a power of Attorney to stop as much of thier pay as would answer
the sum.

There is no part of the Camp Equipage
yet arrived, nor can I hear when they will. I have been greatly distressed
about the Knapsacks, Camp-Kettles, Axes and powder Horns; I have borrowed
as many of those articles as I could, and some I have bought.

Captain Paul, with a beautiful
Company, March'd from Pittsburgh, on Wednesday, the 28th, to cover the
South West frontier of Washington County.

Capt'n Smith, with his Company,
(wanting six privates,) are [598] over the Alleganey,
scouting with as many as are armed. I cannot send them to their Stations
untill the Camp Equipage arrive. Ensign Murphy marched, on Thursday 29th,
with twenty-Eight Men, of Captain Guthrie's Company, Completely armed,
to join some who had been sent out before to Cover the frontiers of Westmoreland
County.

I am now at Greensburgh on my way
to the frontiers of Westmoreland, and shall hurry Capt'n Guthrie out with
the remainder of his company, with all possible haste.

As soon as the Blank returns arrive,
I shall forward them, monthly, to his Excellency Governor Mifflin.

There has not any discovery of
Indians been made on the frontier of Pennsylvania—they have made
their second appearance near Wheeling, and have taken away four Horses.
Please communicate this Information to his Excellency Governor Mifflin.

We, the inhabitans of midle wheeling,
Now in a distresed and dangros situation Have imboded our selves and we
are Tow weak to make a stand without asistens. We, your humble petitioners,
do Pray your asistanc in men, arms and amunition, as we gudge william
Craig to be the suitable plase for the station. We flater our selves,
that you will do Everey thing that is in your Power, and humbley submits
to your will In the fair; we your pettitionars do pray.

THOMAS ORR,

THOMAS HARPON,

DAVID HOSACK,

WILLIAM HULTS,

THOMAS HOSACK,

ANDREW WHITE,

SAMUEL MOORE,

DEVET HOWEL,

WILLIAM MORRISON,

WILLIAM M'CASKILL,

JAMES HOSACK,

ROBERT PENDERGAST,

JAMES McDONNAL,

GEORGE KNOX,

ANDREW HANNAH,

JAMES KNOK,

SAMUEL HOLMES,

JAMES STETER,

GEORGE WHITEHILL,

HILIAN SLEATER,

WILLIAM BOHANON,

HUGH McCUTCHEN,

ROBART McCOY,

JOHN BRICE, V. D. M.,

FERDINAND MOORE,

WM. PORTER.

[599] MAJOR McCULLY TO SECRETARY DALLAS.

PITTSBURGH, April 6, 1792.

SIR:—I, with pleasure, acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of 24th March, wherein you have mentioned Major lrvin's
appointment as muster master to our Corps of Rifle Men.

You will please to communicate to His Excellency
Governor Mifflin that it gives me great Concern that no part of our
Camp Equipage has yet arrived, and that but twenty-Nine Rifles have
came to hand, without any other article except powder and lead. The
delay of those articles has prevented my Establishing posts on the fronteers
of Alleganey County that would have been done could I have been enabled
to Equip the Soldiers fit to march out—the three Companies want
but 6 privates to compleet the whole two full Companies. One on the
fronteers of Washington County, and one on Westmorland are posted, though
not compleetly Armed and Equiped.

SIR:—Your Letter of the 4th
Current is now before us. We observe what you say with regard to fixing
a Station at Yellow Creek, and return you our sincere Thanks for your
Kindly Regard and generous attention to our Situation. But we must beg
Leave for to mention to you, that a Station at Yellow Creek alone will
not be sufficient for the Defence of this part of the Frontier which we
inhabit. Between Yellow Creek & Holiday's Cove, a space of 15 miles
will be uncovered. At present, indeed, we have twelve Men at the Station
of Croxton's Run, being a part of 20 Men draughted from the Militia of
this County & destined for Holiday's Cove, but by the application
of the Inhabitants, so many of them have been got up this far. These alone,
are only sufficient barely to Keep the Bl'k House, being too few to render
any effectual Service, and we must request of you, Sir, to order as many
of the Militia, which you speak of in your [600] letter,
to strengthen this Station, as will enable the Post to send out Scouting
Parties, without which they can afford no Protection. A Party of Indians
have been discovered, last Saturday night, at the Station at Holiday's
Cove. The Bearer will inform you more particularly.

We are, sir,
Your mo. Ob't servants,
DAV'D BRUCE.
WILLIAM LEDLIE.

Coll. ABS'M BAIRD, Lieutenant of
Washington.

THOMAS RYERSON TO COL. BAIRD.

MORRIS VILL, April 17th,
1792.

SIR:—A party of Indians appeared
at this place about noon to-day and intercepted an escort of provisions,
&c., which was bound to Lieu. Gray's Station. I was at the Mills when
the men were receiving these stores, and left it about the same time they
did, and before I reached my house, heard a few guns fired in quick succession
near that place. Soon after a cry of alarm was made, & I was informed
that the men belonging to Mr. Gray's Post had scarcely departed with their
charge when they met & fired upon some Indians, within view of several
people who were then about the mill house, which was instantly returned
by the Indians. Our men being fewest in number immediately abandoned the
horses and Stores, which were carried off by the enemy, except some flour
and powder. A party of active men, amounting to fifteen, under the command
of Capt. Paul, went in pursuit of them within an hour after this transaction,
and we flatter ourselves will over take them.

I was at Capt'n Paul's Post this
morning when he received an express from Ensigne Long, acquainting him
that a party of thirteen indians had approached very near his Post, and
he was that moment setting off with a detachment from his few men after
them, their trail & number having been discovered & ascertained
by the Dunkard Spies. His letter was dated this morning.

The prospects, indeed, toward the
indian country, are more hostile than I have known them since my residence
at this place; but an unusual degree of fear and inquietude seems to pervade
all our frontier, and although we have the fullest confidence in Capt'n
Paul's exertions and prudence for the defence & Protection of this
quarter, yet we apprehend this frontier will break unless a few militia
should be scattered among the inhabitants [601] at their
houses or at such other places as they may think proper to assemble at
for their own convenience and common safety. I mean that this protection
should be granted to us in addition to the levies which are now on duty
here, and I should think it of great moment to the Public weel that the
frontier should be kept at as great a distance from the populous settlements
as possible.

Capt. Paul has Just now returned
(4 o'Cl'k P. M.) from the chase, and desires me to inform you thereof.
He came up with the indians in a little while (their number uncertain,
five ascertained) and has retaken the horses and stores. He pressed them
so close that they lost a Cap, some feathers, a gun case, &c., which
are now at the door. As soon as they turned off the horses 'twas impracticable
to follow them, as the vegetation is not yet sufficiently forward to pursue
a trail with any considerable speed. Besides, Capt. Paul left his Post
too weak for the absence of a day or two. He will thank you to make these
communications to Major McCully.

Permit me, sir, to conclude with
making the request, that if it is consistent with Your powers and opinion
of its utility, that you will send some militia hither, as soon as may
be convenient, to be placed among the Inhabitants from Capt. Farley's
Neighbourhood to my mills.

I am, Sir,
Your most Obed. and very H'ble Serv't,
THO. RYERSON.

P. S.—I write at the request
of a number of the inhabitants & in haste; you will, therefore, please
to make the necessary allowance for inaccuracies, &c. The indians
are undoubtedly in many parties on our frontier.

They laid a trap for the party
which they expected would follow them for the Stores, &c., having
tied the horses in a deep hollow, 1-1/2 miles from the mill. They placed
themselves on a hill near them behind a large log where they waited for
the pursuers; but Capt. Paul so prudently disposed his men that upon their
near approach the indians rose and fled with great precipitation. We lost
one of the escort's guns.

T. H. R.

Two of the spies have been out
rather too long under particular circumstances, not to be apprehensive
for their safety—Baskins & Brady.

[602] MAJOR McCULLY TO COL.
CLEMENT BIDDLE.

PITTSBURGH, April 20th,
1792.

MY DEAR SIR:—Give me leave
to take the liberty to request the favor of you to Call on the honorable
General Knox, secretary for the war department, and know of him wheather
I can hope for an appointment in the Rifle Corps of the Federal Government.
The last words he spoke to me he promised that I should be provided for
according to my wish, but so many appointments coming up, makes me fear
he has forgotten me. I should not take this liberty, only I am sure you
are my friend and Intimate with the Secretary of War.

There has nothing hapened since
my last, only seven head of horned Cattle drove away from the frontiers,
suposed to be Indians—two parties are in quest of them, and I hope
will not quit the Chase untill they are over taken. You shall hear in
my next.

I am, sir, with high regard,
Your most Obedient Servant,
GEO. McCULLY, Major Rifle Corps.

Col. BIDDLE.

STATE OF THE ARMS.

May 5, 1792.

D'R Sir:—On Examining I find
the State of the Arms as follow:

Rifles sent from hence & which
had arrived at Pittsburgh early in April . . . . 54
Ditto said to be provided by the men on the Governor's allowance, as mentioned
in Major McCully's Letter. . . . 45
Purchased at Pittsburgh, & for which Major McCully has drawn a bill
on me, which I paid abo . . . . 30
An Order for the Secretary at War for 100 Stand of Arms compleat, to serve
til replaced by Rifles . . . . 100

TOTAL 229

On the 12th April I sent from here
25 Rifles, procured from Reading, and on the 19th the waggon with the
25 took in 50 more Rifles which I had bespoke at York town, and proceeded
with the 75 to Pittsburgh to replace the muskets.

[603] I purchased
50 more Rifles which lay in Virginia, but did not receive them til a few
days ago, and thinking they were not now wanted by the State, I appropriated
them to the United States.

I am, D'r sir, Your mo. Obed. Serv.,
CLEMENT BIDDLE, Q. M. Penn.

A. J. DALLAS, Esqr.

COLONEL SHEPHERD TO COL.
BAIRD.

OHIO COUNTY, 5 May, '92.

SIR:—Last Evening two Indians
Shot at a man within one mile of my house, & Snapt' at another in
the night. They have also taken two boys, sons of James Behams, living
on middle wheeling, one of which they have kill'd, the other has got in,
tho' he is Scalp'd and badly Tomahawk'd. The Spies inform me there is
great Sign of them on Captena and Stillwater. We Expect nothing Else but
a General onset; our People are Generally moving to the forts, and Seems
to be in great Confusion. I Shall give you every Information as early
as possible,

and am, with respect,
your Humble Serv't,
DAVID SHEPHERD.

Collo. BEARD.

COL. JOHN IRWIN TO COL. CLEMENT
BIDDLE.

PITTSBURGH, May 12th,
1792

SIR:—I herewith Send you
the Muster Rolls and Inspection Returns of the Corps of Riflemen for the
Month of March, which you might have had Sooner had it not been for the
disappointment in Capt. Guthrie's Inspection Return. However, the fatigue,
danger, time and Expense of obtaining these Rolls and Returns you may
not perhaps have thought of. I am obliged to travel about Three hundred
and fifty Miles Each Month to Compleat this business. The troops are divided
into Eight parties or Stations, and placed at proper distances on an Extensive
frontier, So that Visiting and returning from each makes up the number
of Miles above mentioned; and two-thirds of the distance in a Country
where a man might with propriety wish himself at home, least he might
be deprived of his Scalp. In [604] your letter with the
Governor's Warent, you have no doubt, a proper Compensation will be allowed
for performing this business. I would be Sorry to Suspect the Generosity
of the State; but Still more so if my family Should Reflect that I had
deprived them of my Savings at home without knowing for what. It would
be as easy and perhaps much Safer to Muster 5,000 Men than this handfull
of Rangers Scattered in the Manner they are. The Rolls and returns for
the mouth of Aprile you may expect Soon as possible, which will be at
the end of this or early in the month of June. You may probably by that
time, on Consulting with the Governor, be able to give me Some Idea of
the Compensation, and whither he wishes the Muster and Inspection to be
Continued Monthly. If so, it might not be amiss to forward a little Cash
for Contingent Expenses, As it might perhaps be more Convenient for Government
to advance on this occation than an Individual. The returns now forwarded
may not be so Correct as I could wish; any errors you may observe, inform
me, and I will endeavor to put them Right in future; have Sent you two
Muster Rolls for each Company, As it is the practice in the Federal troops.
Let me know whether it is necessary or not.

Your Most Obedient Humble Serv't,
JOHN IRWIN, M. M. C. R. Men.

CLEMENT BIDDLE, Esq., Q. M'str C.
W. M. P.

MAJOR McCULLY TO COL. CLEMENT
BIDDLE.

PITTSBURGH, May 14th,
1792.

DEAR SIR:—The Bearer, General
Gibson, having furnished us with ten New Rifles, which the men have received
as their Own property, I have taken the liberty to draw for the amount
to be stoped out of the first pay—proper Vouchers shall be produced
to Justify the Measure. I will refer you to General Gibson for news and
the State of the frontiers, as he is a Gentleman may be relied on.

I am, Sir, with high Esteem,
Your most Obed't Servant,
GEO McCULLY, Major R. Corps.

Col. CLEM'T BIDDLE.

P. S.—The seventy-five Rifles
have not yet arrived.

[605] GEN. PRESLEY NEVILLE
TO GOVERNOR MIFFLIN.

PITTSBURGH, May ye 26th,
1792.

SIR:—On tuesday Morning a
party of Indians, said to be about forty in number, attacked Reed's Station,
on the Allegheny River, four Miles below the Keskemenetas. They kill'd
one man and a child, wounded a Soldier of McCully's Corps, and took a
woman and some children Prisoners. This account came by Express from Ensign
Murphy of that Corps, who was stationed near the spot. A small party of
Indians were seen the same day within twelve Miles of this Town, on the
Vinango Path, which were no doubt, a lookout party from those who did
the Mischief. Exclusive of a Detachment of the Regulars, consisting of
thirty men sent by Maj'r Smith, at my Request, there are several Parties
in pursuit of those Indians, both of Militia and McCully's Rangers. I
hope to inform your Excellency of their Success by next Post.

I rec'd a few days ago a Letter
from Mr. Dallas, mentioning the Mistake in the dates of the Militia Commissions
of this County, (which I had not before heard of,) and desiring me to
collect the Sentiments of the County, whether to hold Elections or to
renew the Commissions to the present officers for one year; the latter
is prefered, because it can be sooner done in the present period of danger,
and the Priviledge of the Law is urged, directing that the officers be
elected for three years. I have the honor to be, with great Respect &
attachment,

SIR:—I am Under the Necesesity
of Informing you of the Distressed Sittuation of the froonteers of Westmoreland
County. That on the twenty-second Inst., the Indians Came to L't William
Cooper Stattion, Near the Mouth of Tiscumenitis River, and attacted It;
the Killed one man and Wounded one. The did not Stay Any Longer than the
Took and Murdered a family With in about three Hundred yards of the Block-house.
The than [606] Penetrated Into The Settlement About fifteen
Miles; the Killed, Wounded and Took Prisoners Eleven Persons; Took About
Thirty Horses; Burned a Number of Houses. The Stayed in the Settlement
five or Six Days; the Whole of the froonteers is In a Distressed Sittuation,
as the Came In Sutch A Large Party that the Small Stattons, that the froonteers
is Gathered into, Will Not be Able to Stand them, without Getting Assistance,
Maj'r M'Cully Hath Took All his men away from Green's and Reed's Stattion,
Except a Few to Keep Up Green's.

Capt. Smith's and Gutherie's Companies
is to be stattioned all together at the Mouth of Puckety, which is our
County Line; and I Will, in a few Days have to Give up the Cetlemen or
Send Millitia there, as Maj'r McCully Hath Requested me to suply It With
the Millitia. If you Could have Green's and Reed's Stattion Suplyed With
the Contine'l Troops, as It Is Distressing to Call on the Millitia of
the one County to Guard so Extensive a froonteer; and if there is Not
a sufficient Number of Men Kept out, the froonteers will Break up as the
Cannot suport themselves Without Raising Some Crops. It is Hard that We
must Stand as a Barier to the Enterior Parts, and Defend our Selves. I
Intend a Plying to Fyate for Asistance. But I Would Wish It was Agreeable
that you Would Send An Order to Coll. Torrance to Give Us Assistance and
Let me Know if I May Aply to him.

I am, Sir, your obedient Humble
Serv't,
CHAS. CAMPBELL.

His Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN.

N. B.—Mr. John Deneston is
to furnish the Millitia the Same as Last year with Rations.
C. C.
N. B.—I this Moment Received an Express that there Was one Hundred
Indians Had Crossed the Allegany River, and there Was fifty More Seen
yesterday In the Inhabitant, And one Man Was Killed. I Expect Every Moment
to Hear of Our to be Mutch Destroyed. C. C.

MAJOR McCULLY TO COL. CLEMENT
BIDDLE.

PITTSBURGH, May 29th
1792.

DEAR SIR:—I had the pleasure
of your letter of the 18th May; am happy that my letters arrived in time
to remove the anxiety that such false representation would naturaly give
Government and you, also a reflection on me. The fifty Rifles arrived
from little York yesterday. I think it would be treating Mr. Dunn- [607]
woody well not to pay him for the Carriage, as he delayed them
so Long. He lost three pair of the Bullit moles on the way; they were
scattered through the waggon when they arrived here.

I refer you to my letter to the
Secretary of the Commonwealth for News.

SIR:—You will be pleased to
lay before His Excellency the Governor the Inclosed letter from Capt'n
Smith, signifying his resignation, also my letter of the same date, stating
the present and former arrangements of the Corps under my command.

Doctor Bedford reports Captain
Smith unfit for service to me. I think Mr. Stevenson, Captain Smith's
Lieutenant, will do to Command the Company. If the Governor's intention
is to promote by Companies, Ensign Jones, Lieut., and a Mr. William Brown,
Ensign, who is acting at present as first Sergeant, will make a good Ensign.

SIR:—Haveing been so unfortunate
as to receive a hurt on the 11th Day of April last, on a march from Pittsburgh
to the falls of Big Bevour Creek by which I became ruptered, and finding
that the active Service required on this Campaign has increased my Complants,
and in the opinion of the Doctor, not only renders me unfit for presant
Duty, but may tirmenate fataly unless a state of quietude is preserved.
I Do hereby request you to receive my Resignation as Captain of the Second
Company of Six months' Livie of this Commonwelth.

I am, Sir, your Obt. Serv't,
SAM. SMITH. Capt'n 2d Comp'y Riflemen.

To Major GEORGE McCULLY.

[608] MAJOR McCULLY TO COL.
BAIRD.

PITTSBURGH, May 30th
1792.

DEAR SIR:—Experiance has provid
to me that the Manner in which the Corps, under my command, are disposed
of is not the best for the protection of the frontiers; they men are so
much scattered that it is impossible to collect them in time to appose
or persue any considerable Body of Enemy. I have, therefore, determined
to draw to one place Captains Smith's and Guthrie's Companies, where I
can be with them myself, and if Indians appears in force, as they have
lately done, I will be able to meet them on the Shortest notice.

It may be Necessary for you to
send a detachment of Militia to man the Block-house at yallow Creek, as
I must remove Mr. Stevenson's command. Mr. Stevison will remain there
untill the tenth of June, to give you time to forward the Militia. There
is a considerable quantity of provisions at that post that will be ready
for your men when they march out.

I am, Sir, with high regard,
Your most Obedient Servent,
GEO. McCULLY, Major R. Corps.

COL. BAIRD.

P. S.—The high opinion I
have of Captain Paul's abilities will make my visits to his posts fewer
than I first Intended.

WILLIAM FINDLEY TO SECRETARY
DALLAS.

June 1st, 1792.

DEAR SIR:— I was but a few
days at home untill the Indians broke into the settlement by Reed's Station.
It was garrisoned by Rangers under Cooper. They had never scouted any.
They had been frolicking and were Surprized, in want of Amunition, and
the officer was absent from the station. However, the Indians fired only
a few rounds upon the Block-house, with which they killed one man and
wounded Another, and went away without any exertions being made by the
Rangers. They then killed and took Harbison's family, in sight of the
station. Harbison was one of the spies, and was reported to have relaxed
a little in his duty. Indeed, the duties of the spies in this County is
too hard, and they are not assisted by the troops as was designed at laying
the plan. The alarm was quickly spread; indeed, they [609] themselves
promoted the News of their coming by burning some of the first houses
they came to. This occasioned the Country to fly before them with the
greatest rapidity, and they being about 40 in number took the Country
before them, keeping nearly the Course of the Kiskeminty, going in small
parties, from 5 to 7, as far as has been observed. They do not seem to
be so anxious to kill as to plunder and destroy.

However, several remarkable escapes
have been made. For Instance, two families, belonging to Messrs. Feal's
and Millars' were surrounded in a Bottom, and only two of them taken.
Two Men and woman were wounded, and are likely to live. One of their sons
who escaped, saved two other families, who were Just entering the bottom.
Their ardent desire to get Horses seems to divert their attention from
shedding Blood. They greedily seize every kind of plunder. After some
of them had been so closely pushed in recrossing the Allegenny as to leave
some of the Horses, Hopes were entertained that they were gone off, when,
however, they appeared at different places much further in the settlement.
At one plantation as far up above the mouth of Loyalhanna they went boldly
to the stable and fields, and took out the Horses, killing a stallion
which proved unruly, and taking of the rest without disturbing the family,
who were trembling within. Perhaps they were afraid that some of them
would fall in attempting the House. About the same time they killed a
man with a load of dry meat, going to the station, and took the Horse
and load. Two days ago one of them was wounded by a young man who perceived
three of them waylaying his father's and another family, carry off some
grain, &c., to a place of safety. This was on the course towards Hannahstown.

By a Letter from Col. Campbell
I am Just informed that a Scout has pursued the party of Indians that
appeared as high up the north side of Kiskeminty as the mouth of Black
Leg's Creek down to Allegenny, where, though they saw them different times,
the ground was so unfavorable they could not get a shot at them, but had
recovered ten Horses. Another Scout goes out there to day. A Scout is
also out from the Neighbourhead where I live. Though there was sufficient
matter for alarm and terror, without telling lies to promote it, nevertheless,
I believe more have fled on the account of false alarms, mischievously
contrived within this two or three days past than formerly. Hannastown
is now the frontier, and they have erected block Houses at Greensburg,
North of Loyalhanning. Dennison's is the frontier. You will perceive by
the Map that Westmoreland is now Desolate to near the Center, and the
rest much disturbed. At the first alarm Col. Campbell called upon [610]
two Battalions of Militia to turn out a Company each, but before
the day of Rendezvous, these two Battalions were chiefly broken up. He
has since ordered out from two other Battalions, and is advised to call
for assistance from Fayette County.

The Scarcity of Arms among the
people is a distressing circumstance. Voluntary exertions are prevented,
and the flight of many familes promoted from that cause. The people were
so Confident that they never would see war again, and in such Necessity
for Money to repair their desolate places when peace was obtained, that
they sold their guns to people going down the River. I hear from Pittsburgh
that Mrs. Harbison has escaped from the Indians, and has discovered some
treacherous persons among us. I also understood that a private expedition
is on foot; but I expect you will receive more perfect account from Pittsburgh
than I am possessed of. My House and many of the Neighbouring Houses being
crowded with families that have fled, and frequent consulations being
necessary, I have not been far abroad Since this distressing Scene commenced;
therefore my information is necessarily local.

If it was possible to get more
Arms into the Hands of the County Lieut's by borrowing at Pittsburgh,
or otherwise, it would answer a good purpose. All the public exertions
against the Hostile Indians having been hitherto unfortunate, the destresses
of the people have consequently encreased instead of being removed, and
the people themselves appear to have lost Heart, and not to be capable
of those exertions which they made the last war; my endeavours to encourage
them I find has much Less effect this year than it had the last. Though
the Army is Slow of raising yet its perminancy gaves ground to hope that
this Season is more critical than any that is to follow. I am, with great
respect.

D'r Sir,
Your most obedient Humble Servant,
WM. FINDLEY.

A. DALLAS, Esq'r.

P. S.—If a more accurate
account is not come to hand be pleased to gave this to Mr. Dunlap, with
suppressing what you think proper, but particularly Cooper's Name, for
though much more is said against him, it is not fair to censure him in
a Newspaper at such a distance before examination.